A love story that defied the odds and stood the test of time. A testament to true devotion.
I married the love of my life when I was 25. She was just 20. Everyone doubted us—whispering it wouldn’t last. Her parents didn’t even attend our wedding. I was a stranger to them, with no money, no plan. But I knew. I knew what we had was real. She was my heart. My future.
We planned our wedding ourselves, full of excitement but totally clueless about the details. We were young, eager, but had no idea what life would throw our way.
And yet, on that sunny day, we said our vows, and against all odds, it lasted. Thirty-five years of love. Six children. Five grandchildren. A lifetime of memories.
When her time came, I was right there, holding her hand, surrounded by our kids, in the home we built together. Not everyone gets to live a love story like ours. But we did. This was us.
On Valentine’s Day, I visit her at the cemetery with roses, just as I always did. I give her what I always gave her—my heart, my devotion, and the promise that even after all this time, I’d choose her again. Every. Single. Day.
In loving memory of you, Darlene.
